Testimonials

From Students

Phil Ison, 2nd year Nurse Practitioner student

"I really like the simplicity of SMD. We go to the patients and provide the care that they need without any social barriers. It's the essence of medicine, without waiting rooms and billings. Just the patient and the clinicians."

Berniece Barrett, Nursing Student

"It's great to take part in an organization that meets people where they are at; in homeless shelters and on the streets."

Hieu Nguyen, MS2

"I came to Detroit for this. I liked the fact that the whole thing is by the seat of our pants and requires adaptability because that is really how street medicine really is out in the real world. I would definitely recommend it and go again for sure. I think it was a very meaningful experience for both us and the patient. It added to my medical training. [NSO Nurse Practitioner] Dean did a great job teaching; he was very enthusiastic and excited about the project."

Dave, MS2

"My experience was positive. I feel like I helped someone today, however small it was. I would definitely recommend it to others. I like the fact that we are getting to people who can’t get to services on their own. I gained valuable interviewing experience and learned lots from Dean, who is a great teacher."

Tyler Spiering, MS1

"Street Medicine is a unique and invaluable opportunity to apply lecture material and practice different skills while reaching out to a homeless population that often goes under the radar. The street runs provide an excellent environment for asking questions and learning new things from nurse practitioner Dean and from the stories of the patients themselves. It also allowed me to gain a new appreciation and perspective of medicine. Street Medicine, teamed up with NSO, is definitely doing some awesome things for the homeless of Detroit, and I'm glad I could be a small part of it."

From Patients

Henry Meadows, first-time patient

"I felt respected and I thought everyone was very professional. Your services are needed here. This is where the people are!"

Irvin Hicks, first-time patient

"You all were great! I appreciate it. I just wanted to make sure I'm healthy. I got a flu shot and now I'm protected. I'll give you all an A+. Thank you!"

Gary Jackson, current patient

"[Street Medicine Detroit] could be saving someone's life and not even know it. There are people sleeping out on the street and they don't have anywhere to go. People need your help."

Georgetta Duru, current patient

"SMD is young and fresh and serves the Detroit community well."

From Providers

Dr. Richard Bryce, D.O.,            SMD Medical Director

"We all go into medicine with the intention of helping those in need, but sometimes that focus can get lost along the way. Street Medicine Detroit reinvigorated this initial motivation. Whether it is due to the exceptional medical students with whom I have worked alongside or the appreciative patients that I have been able to serve, SMD has not only made me a better physician but also a more caring person."

Dr. M.R. Townsend, M.D.

"I enjoyed the experience and certainly see value in the program. By providing direct care on the street, I think we can better engage the homeless population.  For instance, one particular individual we encountered began to think about accessing services through SMD and NSO--and this is someone who was previously resistant to prior outreach efforts. The program has a lot of potential."

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